Heavy rainfall warning: IMD raises orange alert for eight states

IMD anticipates heavy to very heavy rainfall in multiple states, cautioning residents to stay safe and be prepared for potential flooding

| Updated: 17 July, 2023 3:21 pm IST

Uttarakhand and central India can anticipate heavy rainfall for the next two days, followed by isolated heavy rainfall in the subsequent days (TNI File Photo By Sumit Kumar)

KOLKATA: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for eight states in response to the anticipated heavy to very heavy rainfall. An orange alert is triggered when rainfall ranges between 115.6 and 204.4 mm within a day.

According to the IMD, significant spells of heavy to very heavy rainfall are expected in several regions. The Konkan and Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, and Odisha will experience such spells for the next five days, while Gujarat will encounter them starting July 19. Uttarakhand and central India can anticipate heavy rainfall for the next two days, followed by isolated heavy rainfall in the subsequent days.

“Heavy to very heavy rainfall spells over Konkan and Goa, Madhya Maharashtra and Odisha during the next five days and over Gujarat from July 19. Heavy to very heavy rainfall spells over Uttarakhand and central India during the next two days and isolated heavy rainfall thereafter,” says IMD.

However, the IMD also predicts subdued rainfall activity in the northeast and adjoining east India, as well as in the plains of northwest India, excluding East Rajasthan, over the next four to five days.

“Subdued rainfall activity will be likely over the northeast and adjoining east India and over the plains of northwest India (except East Rajasthan) during the next four to five days,” the department said.

Entry to the Dudhsagar waterfall and Bhagwan Mahaveer National Park in Goa is closed for visitors as a precautionary measure (Photo Courtesy Twitter @goaforests)

States that will witness heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places include Odisha, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, and East Rajasthan. Additionally, Himachal Pradesh, West Rajasthan, East Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat Region, Konkan and Goa, Coastal Karnataka, Andaman Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya can expect heavy rainfall at isolated places.

The current weather pattern reveals a cyclonic circulation over central Pakistan and adjoining Punjab at middle tropospheric levels. Furthermore, the IMD predicts the formation of a cyclonic circulation over the Northwest Bay of Bengal within the next 48 hours.

In light of these predictions, the IMD has issued safety instructions to the public. People are advised to avoid areas prone to waterlogging and to stay away from vulnerable structures. With heavy to very heavy rain anticipated, localised flooding is expected, especially in hilly regions like Uttarakhand, where the chances of landslides also pose a concern.

As the situation unfolds, residents in the affected states are urged to remain cautious, stay informed about weather updates, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety in the face of potential weather-related challenges.